How Your Vision Can Affect Your Golf Game

It is no secret that golf is a visually demanding sport. Not only do you need to be able to see the ball right in front of you so that you can hit it accurately, but you also need to be able to see where the ball goes after you hit it. If you’re keeping the ball in the fairway and aiming for the middle of every green, you may be able to get away from not-so perfect vision, but if you’re pin-seeking, good eyes are a requirement. Not only to be able to see your target, but to develop a feel for the distance, and to be able to make a confident swing. If you are constantly squinting and second guessing your alignment and distance, you will not be on top of your game.

Your eyes also play tricks on you on the greens. Ever line up a putt from behind, address the ball, feel like everything is good, make the perfect stroke and still miss by a foot? Yes, it could be because you missed a break, but more likely it’s how your eyes play tricks on you when you’re perpendicular to your target line versus directly behind it. This is why many professionals line up a logo or line on their ball from behind before they move to address the ball. Give it a try yourself, line-up a logo down your target line, address the line and look at the hole – does it feel a little off to you? Its not, but thats proof that your eyes play tricks on your alignment.

Avid golfers tend to spend a good amount of money on equipment, such as tees, clubs, clothing, balls, and even course fees. Though all of these are crucial to being a great golfer, you should start with keeping your body, and most specifically your eyes in the best shape possible. Just like your work on your swing constantly on the range, you should also be keenly aware of your eyesight at all times. Even small changes in your eyesight can mean big problems for your game. If you are looking to improve your game, regular eye exams is a good start and possibly vision correction may be something to consider. Many a friend who has undertook the procedure and said the difference was incredible.

Regular Eye Exams
No matter if you play professional golf or are just starting out, high-quality vision is the most important way to start your game. Getting an annual eye exam will help you to stay ahead of any problems that may occur due to failing eyesight. As we age, our eyes begin to deteriorate, requiring us to wear glasses in order to see things close to us or far away. Many middle-age golfers complain about not being able to focus on the mid-range area, which is about the distance between their eyes and where the ball sits on the tee. Your eye doctor can make suggestions on how to best remedy this with glasses or contacts.

Vision Correction
If you no longer have perfect vision, vision correction is always an option. Without it, your golf game will suffer, as will many other aspects of your life. Your eye doctor can give you a prescription for glasses or contact lenses to correct your eye sight, allowing you to enjoy playing golf as often as you would like.

Your prescription does not have to end with your eyeglasses. Most golf games are played in sunny weather, meaning you will need to wear sunglasses. Your doctor can put your prescription into sunglasses, meaning you can enjoy good eyesight and still be able to read the green and follow the ball.

Surgery
If you do not want to hassle with contacts or eyeglasses, there are many options for vision correction surgery. Many golfers have benefited from having eye surgery to permanently correct their vision. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, make sure you find a surgeon who has performed this procedure many times and comes with great recommendations. Your eyesight is one of your most important assets, and you should only entrust it with the best.

Keeping an eye on your eyesight should be just another part of your routine if you’re trying to be your best on the course. It’s an easy thing to ignore, as its common just to get used to the fact that your eyes aren’t the best. When you do make a change and start seeing in a new light, there’s nothing like it… and your golf game can benefit.

About The Authors
The surgeons at Kleiman | Evangelista Eye Center have helped tens of thousands of patients enjoy improved vision. With more than four decades of combined experience, their surgical team of eye doctors have the expertise clients can trust for their eyes. From ages 18 to 80 and even beyond, they help patients improve their vision through a range of advanced treatments and procedures with the newest technology.